One of the best is 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan. It's a great allegory that follows the journey of a man named Christian towards the Celestial City. It's full of spiritual lessons and has been highly influential in Christian literature. Another is 'Silas Marner' by George Eliot. It tells the story of a weaver who endures much and finds redemption through his love for an orphaned child. 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ' is also a classic. It vividly portrays the time of Jesus and the impact of his life on the characters, especially Judah Ben - Hur.
'The Shack' by William P. Young is also considered a top Christian fiction book. It tells the story of a man who has a life - changing encounter with God in a very unexpected place, a shack. It delves deep into the nature of God's love, forgiveness, and the relationship between man and the divine.
One of the great ones could be 'A Light on the Hill' by Connilyn Cossette. It combines historical settings with Christian themes in a really engaging way.
I'm not entirely sure which specific books were the top 2017 best Christian fiction books. However, many Christian fiction books from that year probably explored themes like God's love, forgiveness, and the journey of faith. Some might have been set in different historical periods to show how faith has endured throughout time. They could also have contemporary settings, dealing with modern - day issues from a Christian perspective.
A possible choice is 'Behold the Lamb of God' by Russ Ramsey. This book offers a fresh perspective on the story of Jesus. It's written in a way that makes the familiar story feel new and profound, with beautiful prose and a deep exploration of the significance of Jesus' life, which is very much in line with the nature of Christian fiction.
I'm not sure specifically which books were in the '2019 best christian fiction'. It could include a variety of works that focus on Christian themes such as faith, redemption, and the relationship with God. You might want to check some Christian book review websites or libraries for a more accurate list.
One of the best is 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It weaves Christian themes into a fantastical world full of talking animals and magic. Another great one is 'Left Behind' by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, which is about the end times. And 'The Shack' by William P. Young is also highly regarded as it explores the nature of God through a unique story.
These books often depict the power of faith. In 'Ben - Hur: A Tale of the Christ', Judah Ben - Hur's faith is tested and ultimately strengthened through his various experiences. Another characteristic is that they may set their stories in historical or fictional settings related to the time of Jesus or within a Christian - influenced society, which helps to ground the religious concepts within a relatable context.
If you're a beginner, 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' from 'The Chronicles of Narnia' is a good start. It's easy to read and the Christian symbolism is clear. Aslan's sacrifice is a powerful representation of Jesus' sacrifice. Another beginner - friendly option is 'The Green Ember' series. It has elements of Christian values like courage and hope in a fictional animal kingdom setting.
Some of the best - selling Christian fiction books include 'The Shack' by William P. Young. It tells a story of a man's encounter with God in an unexpected way and has been widely read and discussed.
One of the best YA Christian fiction works is 'The Screwtape Letters' by C.S. Lewis. It gives a unique perspective as it is a series of letters from a devil to his nephew about how to tempt a human. 'Out of the Silent Planet' by the same author is also good. It has elements of science - fiction along with Christian themes. Additionally, 'I Capture the Castle' by Dodie Smith, while not strictly a Christian - themed book throughout, has elements of morality and faith that can be appealing to young adult readers interested in Christian fiction.